Dear Centenarians,
Throughout this year, we have been reading the Gospel of Luke in worship. Luke’s Gospel contains some of the more recognizable parables of Jesus: Pithy stories, which often leave the hearer (or reader) to provide the ending. Among the parables of Jesus that are found in Luke are “The Good Samaritan” and
“The Prodigal Son.”
Unlike a traditional story or fable, Jesus’ parables have no moralistic ending or nice, neat conclusion. Jesus often used parables as a teaching tool to awaken people’s consciousness of the surprising ways in which God operates in the world.
For this month’s Pastor’s column, I offer a modern-day parable that is based on an all-too frequent occurrence that happens at the church:
“On a Monday afternoon, the church door-bell rang. When one of the pastors answered the phone, the person on the other end of it said, ‘I need your help. I am a diabetic. I am not asking for money, just something to eat. My blood sugar is low and I’m weak.’
“The other pastor who was also listening quickly thought to open a carton of juice and pour some of it into a cup. The first pastor took it, went downstairs to open the door and gave it to the man. He took it, drank it, and thanked the pastor. The pastor then went into the church kitchen to find something for the man to eat. He brought out some bread, more juice, and offered it to the man. He took it, ate and drank, and thanked the pastor again.
“The man took out two sheets of paper from his pocket, showed them to the pastor and said, ‘I was released from jail over the weekend. None of the stores or restaurants would give me anything to eat, not even a little bit. Thank God for a few pieces of candy that a little old lady gave me, when she saw me being refused by one of the businesses. Thank God also, for this church. I don’t know what would have happened to me after today.’
“’Where are you headed?’ asked the pastor. The man replied, ‘I’m going to the train station. I think I have enough money to get back home. Thank you again for helping me.’ The man walked off the church property and headed down the street in the direction of the train station.’”
Those who have ears to hear, let them hear what the Holy Spirit is saying!
Grace and Peace,
Reverend Mark M. Nakagawa
